Opinions
Adapting to job search change
by Michele Majul-Ibarra
COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and the impact on the economy has been quite significant. In particular, many organizations have laid people off and many companies have had to implement many changes regarding the way that they operate and the way that they hire.
There is no doubt that most job seekers are caught in a predicament as they try to manoeuvre around the multiple changes brought on by the pandemic. Although the way we used to look for jobs has changed, the best strategy to become successful is to adapt and accept that things have changed. Here are some pointers to help you get started.
Don’t give up on your search
Despite the unique situation that most employers are in, there are employers out there that are still trying to fill some gaps in their workforce. This is one reason to continue your search. Even if the companies of your choice are not hiring at this time, it is still important to keep searching because the pandemic is temporary and will continue to evolve.
Patience is a virtue
Hiring companies are adjusting to change too. So if they have interviewed you and you have not heard back within the normal expected timeline, it’s not because they have forgotten about you. They are most likely experiencing internal delays of their own. Thousands of local companies have been forced to work remotely and this alone can make it difficult to operate as effectively as they used to.
Be flexible
It would be fair to say that the role you may have been interested before COVID-19 may no longer be available for the time being. As an example, thousands of flight attendants and airline employees have been laid off. As we know, the aviation industry has always played a critical role in tourism, and in providing transport and freight services. However, the mass exodus has forced many of their laid off employees to look for jobs that are outside of their field and expertise.
Expect to be interviewed by phone or video – Zoom and MS Teams are two of the most popular platforms that employers use for their internal meetings since the temporary shift to the work-from-home model. So, don’t be surprised if you get invited to a phone call or a video job interview. When this happens, it would be important to prepare by ensuring that your video feed and microphone are working properly on your computer or tablet prior to the actual interview. You would still want to make a good impression even if you are not meeting your potential employer in person. Dressing up appropriately for the interview is also important. Just because you are taking the interview from your living room does not mean pyjamas is acceptable.
Job searching has always been challenging, however, it has definitely become even more challenging with COVID-19 added to the equation. These times require people who are resilient and unafraid of challenges. These two qualities alone may just be all you need to be successful in landing a role during this very unique time.
This article is intended for information purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice.
Michele Majul-Ibarra, IPMA-ACP holds an Advanced Certified HR Professional Designation with the International Personnel Management Association. E-mail her at info@pilipino-express.com